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If it's not true that the cranks carry more power through the deadspots on a fixed, then what are the benefits of a fixed gear drive train when compared to a single speed?
No pawls to wear out or break, opportunity to ride on the road with only one brake caliper, which is good for TTs and hill climbs due to lower weight and less drag.
Do you reckon a track cyclist would be exactly as fast on the same bike with a freewheel?
Yes
So the only reason for a fixed drive train in track cycling is the tradition?
No, the reason is that it's hard to slow down on a freewheel bike with no other brake. It would take three laps to get the riders off the track after a sprint :)
gbj_tester-
Well, you're the expert so I won't argue with it. From a subjective pov, I steel feel like the cranks carry more force through the 12 and 6 o'clock position on a fixed gear bike. When switching to a freewheeled bike after riding a fixed, the pedal stroke feels less evenly than on a fixed bike. Then again, after a while you adjust your pedalling and it feels evenly on a freewheeled bike, too.
Sig_Arlecchino
Obviously you can generate forward torque through the whole turn but you can still apply the most power when the cranks are vertical. If it's not true that the cranks carry more power through the deadspots on a fixed, then what are the benefits of a fixed gear drive train when compared to a single speed? Do you reckon a track cyclist would be exactly as fast on the same bike with a freewheel? So the only reason for a fixed drive train in track cycling is the tradition?